Schools across the country are making big preparations for this year's National Sport Day celebrations. Accordingly, the schools have lined up various events, activities, programmes and tournaments in preparation for the occasion. National Sport Day will be observed around the country on February 14. Local Arabic daily 'Arrayah' reports that awareness lectures are being conducted by schools highlighting the importance of preserving public health as well as promoting physical fitness and following correct dietary patterns.
School principals told the daily that a number of tournaments will be organised in the coming period covering various group sports in addition to individual games for students. Also, extra-curricular activities will be intensified during the breaks. Apart from students, parents will also take part in school programmes across the country.
The morning school assembly speeches are now focusing on the importance of daily exercise and its impact on the health of students, as well as the need to get rid of unhealthy food habits. Also, schools are sending text messages to parents on the importance of maintaining public health and exercising and involving their children.
The schools have joined hands with the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) to organise diabetes check-ups and complete height and weight measurements for all students along with the staff.
Othman al-Suwaidan, director of Ahmed Bin Rashid Primary School for Boys, said the school is planning a 'telematch' tournament for primary schools. This will be held with the participation of more than 10 schools over three days. Also, the schools are sending text messages to parents to participate in the Sport Day activities while requesting them to gather on the Doha Corniche and engage in different outdoor activities such as walking and running. Ismail Abdel-Baqi Shams, principal of Omar Bin Al-Khattab Secondary School for Boys, said an awareness lecture will be delivered at the school on the importance of exercising and maintaining public health. The lecture will also focus on adhering to healthy food practices.
Fahd al-Derham, principal of Muhammad bin Abdulaziz Al-Mana Secondary School for Boys, said the school conducts a periodic examination of students and staff to detect obesity and diabetes. The school, according to him, will participate in all the activities by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education.
